by Paul Ilechko

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Paul Ilechko is a British American poet and occasional songwriter who lives with his partner in Lambertville, NJ. His work has appeared in many journals, including The Bennington Review, The Night Heron Barks, Atlanta Review, Permafrost, and Pirene’s Fountain. His first book is scheduled for 2025 publication by Gnashing Teeth Publishing.  

Originally from Cheraw, SC, Bridada studied visual arts at Clemson University, concentrating in film photography. Her journey with film photography began with a 35mm film camera gifted by her parents in 2012 for her first photography course, the camera she continues to use for all her film photographs today. Growing up in a military family and frequently traveling, Bridada developed a deep appreciation for the world’s varied landscapes, while her upbringing in a small southern town grounded her in the beauty of southern life. This balance between movement and rootedness is reflected in her work, capturing both nature’s healing power and life’s complexities. For Bridada, the darkroom became a space for introspection, where developing prints created a reflective dialogue with the world around her. Her art invites viewers to see beyond the surface, offering glimpses into perspectives that might otherwise be missed. In addition to being a professional artist, Bridada is a mental health professional and art therapist in training, blending creativity with therapeutic practice.